George Floyd. Breanna Taylor. Ahmaud Arbery.
These individuals comprise a small selection from an ocean of African Americans that have suffered from systematic and pervasive racial inequality. A system that has led to egregious suffering at the hands of those tasked with promoting and defending the laws; laws that, at least at face value, demand equal protection and justice.
Outrage over the murder of George Floyd, and subsequent calls for justice and reform, should not be limited to coming from only African Americans. The onus is on everyone. For those that are not African American but are a minority, there is a responsibility to support your fellow brothers and sisters because you too know of the pain. For those that enjoy a sense of privilege, there is a responsibility because, at least in our current system of governance, your voices are elevated, and you have a moral obligation to promote justice.
But aside from issues of moral righteousness and a response fueled by even the most minimal amount of humanity in an individual, Muslims particularly have a moral and religious duty to respond.
Islam does not just ask that Muslims be the harbingers of justice—it demands it. In Surah Nisa, Aya 135 (among a plethora of others), Allah SWT commands:
"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted."
In general, Muslims are not strangers to discrimination in this country and most of the western world. Every step of the way, we have had fantastic allies from all ethnicities, cultures, creeds, and occupations. We have readily accepted support, but have we performed our moral and religious duty to return the favor?
As an organization, we cannot claim to have the answers - because we do not. We, of course, condemn police brutality and the heinous murder of George Floyd, among a string of other such horrific murders. But words without action are empty, so here is what IANT is going to do, at an organizational level, to act:
We will ensure that our educational programs and community talks, including the Khutbah, will continue to address issues of racial violence and systematic oppression. Imam Shpendim led the charge in this regard with his Khutbah from last Friday, which discussed principles of justice in Islam. You can watch a recording here: https://youtu.be/IGXd1ikt7M0?t=611. Imam Shpendim will also moderate a virtual panel discussion, and you can learn more by visiting https://www.facebook.com/events/952660541842101/
As one of the largest houses of worship in the city of Richardson, IANT is humbled to hold a strong connection with city leaders, including Mayor Paul Voelker and Chief of Police Jimmy Spivey. We will engage both in a dialogue to ensure that what happened to Mr. Floyd never occurs to anyone in our city, and to determine what actions the city and police have/are/will take to address the situation.
We also want to hear from you. If you have any ideas as to how IANT can serve as an ally, contact us. Let us know. Visit https://iantmasjid.wufoo.com/forms/w1p0aypl17cehrz/
We have also thought of ways as to how members of our community can help:
Demand accountability from your leaders, governmental and religious.
Ask Imams to address issues of racial inequality.
Engage in conversation with your peers; spread knowledge and awareness. Ignorance is dangerous; knowledge is power.
Come November, the one time every 2-4 years where substantive change is genuinely possible, go vote, armed with the knowledge you have amassed from staying informed, engaging in dialogue, and analyzing the responses from those whom you have demanded accountability and response. Minority groups tend to have the least percentage of voter turnout. And sure, several factors contribute to that but do your best. Need help registering to vote? Visit https://www.rockthevote.org/how-to-vote/register-to-vote/
Black Lives Matter.
Their voices, albeit systematically suppressed, matter.
It is on us, especially as Muslims, to ensure that we elevate their voices and together, demand justice and reform.
